Unexplained cramps in the upper abdomen
September 25, 2014 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ralf Berg
Hello,
for months now I have been experiencing colic-like pains in the upper mid-abdomen, accompanied by extreme bloating of my stomach. The pain occurs regardless of food intake and lasts for hours. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy did not reveal any abnormalities, although an MRI Sellink showed a suspected inflammation in the area of the terminal ileum and a calprotectin value of 215.6.
My gastroenterologist is at a loss and I feel very helpless.
What could be causing this and what else could be investigated? According to the MRI Sellink, there were no gallstones. The ultrasound of the upper and lower abdomen was also unremarkable.
Dear inquirer,
After ruling out somatic causes (such as ulcers, gastritis, etc.), it appears that you may be experiencing a functional disorder like irritable bowel syndrome or a nervous stomach. If there is no actual connection to the food you consume, functional disorders related to food intolerance may also be ruled out. Therefore, the exclusion diagnosis remains a nervous stomach or irritable bowel.
The stomach is kept in balance by the Vagus and Parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system. When this control is thrown off balance by stress, anxiety, overwhelm, or restlessness, causing the sympathetic nervous system to stop stomach activity (resulting in bloating), it can lead to your symptoms.
If you are consulting with a gastroenterologist, you may not be at the right place. I recommend seeking out a psychotherapist, who can help identify the life circumstances triggering these irritations in you. Your stomach is essentially serving as a lightning rod for tension. It seems that your symptoms are of a psychosomatic nature.
Best regards,
Dr. R. Berg
